Fishing Methods and Gear for Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit Snook and Redfish
Opinions
will vary amongst most fishing guides. Your guides knowledge,
experience and willingness to travel and fish different areas will lead
to greater success on all target species throughout our fishery. I believe
that fishing should be fun regardless of the method you choose. In my
opinion, you and your your fishing guides willingness to do whatever
it takes to make the most of the fishing conditions is the key to success.
Selection of flies, artificial's and baits, presentation, know-how and
a little luck, all lead to the mastery and enjoyment of the sport.
Fly Fishing and Light Tackle
My "fishing method" of choice has almost always been the
fly rod but lots of experience has taught me that it is not always the
right tool for the job. Often the weather conditions, the species of
fish and geography may call for using spin or plug tackle. For example,
many of the places that I guide in the Everglades are small bays connected
by narrow creeks... too tight for a back cast or even a roll cast, but
the fish are there. The challenge and skill level required for making
a great presentation to a fish with plug or spin tackle is no less demanding
or fun. In most cases, the fly rod can be the right fishing tool for
the job; whether you're fly fishing for laid up tarpon, snook under
the mangroves, or tailing bones, permit or redfish. At the risk of not
being considered a "purist," by some of those who think they
are, I would encourage anyone to become a "complete" angler
by mastering all the different methods of casting, whether it's fly
fishing, spin, or plug tackle.
Most fishing guides use a variety of fly tackle for our South Florida
species, but quality equipment is essential. When purchasing a fly rod
and reel, get the best you can afford. A good fly reel, such as a an
Abel if taken care of, will last you a lifetime. Here is a recap of
what I would recommend as an arsenal to cover all of our target species,
from a to z:
Highest Quality Polarized Sunglasses
Lots of company's make these products such as: Oakley. Maui
Jim,
Action Optics, Costa Del Mar and more.
Fly Fishing Gear
Quality reels with superior drags such as Abel are essential.
8 weight with floating line, for almost all conditions
on the flats.
9 weight with floating, clear floating, best
all around on the flats for all fly fishing conditions, capable of delivering
slightly larger flies to snook, small tarpon, and permit.
10 weight with floating, clear floating and additional "clear
sink tip" line,
for fly tarpon fishing. This rod will also come in handy on really windy
days, delivering the fly to snook, bones and permit.
11 weight with floating, clear floating and additional
clear sink tip, best all around tool for big tarpon.
12 weight is optional but great to have that windy day, for a little
more punch, with a floater, sink tip, and especially with an intermediate
line.
Spin and Plug Tackle
Spin: Most of the time, whether you're fishing for
bonefish, permit, redfish or snook, a 7' 10 LB test outfit will be just
right for the job. Fresh line and quality reels with superior drags
are important. I prefer using monofilament for bonefish, permit and
redfish and Power Pro braided line for snook.
Plug: 6' to 7' rods with 10 to 12 LB test is just
right for most of our species. Saltwater style reels such as the Shimano
Calcutta are ideal... they have great drags and are corrosion resistance
vs. most plug reels designed for fresh water fishing.
Capt
Geoff W Colmes
